Boston Red Sox: 30 Greatest Players in Team History
16: Joe Cronin, SS (1935-1945)
The Red Sox traded for Joe Cronin to be their starting shortstop in 1935. He also took on the role of manager, and will go down as one of the greatest player-managers of all time. Cronin played the last 11 seasons of his career with the Red Sox, finishing up in 1945, but stayed on as the team’s manager for two more seasons. Cronin then took over as the Red Sox General Manager until 1959.
A great defender, and strong contact hitter with impressive plate discipline, Cronin hit .300/.394/.484 in his 11 seasons with Red Sox. He was a five-time All-Star selection while playing for the team, but was never able to reach the post season as a player. His first year after retirement from playing, Cronin was able to lead the Red Sox to the World Series as a manager, before they eventually lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Cronin had an incredibly long and storied career with the Red Sox as a player, manager, general manager and even the president of the American League after that. His body of work is incredible, as he is undoubtedly one of the most influential Red Sox of all-time.
Cronin was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a member of the Red Sox in 1959, and his number 4 is retired by the organization.
Next: Number 15